Electric tractor in winter: cab, battery and snow

The short answer

Yes, you can use an electric tractor all winter long: for clearing snow, sweeping, mucking out and transport around the yard. Winter does call for a little planning, though. In the cold, a lithium battery temporarily delivers less and charges more slowly, so it is best to store and charge the tractor indoors and to allow for somewhat less working time per charge.

With a cab or half cab you work sheltered from wind, rain and cold. All electric Knegt models, the 304G2E, 404G2E and 504G3E, are available with a luxury cab and have four-wheel drive.

What does the cold do to the battery?

Electric Knegt tractors run on a lithium battery rated for 3,500 charge cycles. Like any lithium battery, it performs best at a moderate temperature. In freezing conditions two things happen:

• The available capacity is temporarily lower, so you can work slightly less per charge than in spring or summer.

• Charging takes longer when the battery is cold.

This is a property of lithium batteries in general and not a permanent loss: once the battery is back up to temperature, the capacity returns. How much working time you have in winter depends on the temperature, the intensity of the work and your choice of battery. On the electric models you choose between a 24 kWh and a 34 kWh battery, and an extra battery pack is available as an option.

The good news: winter work often consists of short jobs, such as clearing the paths of snow in the morning or mucking out the barn. Opportunity charging is possible, so you can top up the battery between two jobs.

Cab or half cab: working comfortably in cold and rain

If you work outdoors a lot in winter, you notice the difference between an open tractor and a tractor with a cab straight away. At Knegt you choose from four versions in the configurator: basic, with front loader, with cab, or cab plus front loader.

• Luxury cab: fully sheltered from wind, rain, snow and cold. The best choice if you spend long hours on the tractor every day in autumn and winter.

• Half cab: protects against rain and wind while partly keeping the open character of the tractor. Convenient if you often get on and off.

• Open tractor: sufficient if you only do short jobs in winter and plan the heavy work for spring and summer.

Combine the cab with a Stoll front loader and you can load snow, manure and materials in bad weather without standing out in the cold yourself. Knegt or your dealer can tell you which cab version is available for which model.

Clearing snow, sweeping and gritting with your tractor

In winter the work shifts from mowing to keeping things clean. With the right implements, a compact tractor does this quickly and thoroughly:

• Clearing snow: a snow plough or a sturdy blade with a wear-resistant bottom edge keeps yards, access roads and car parks passable.

• Sweeping: a sweeper clears paths, yards, barn aisles and car parks of leftover snow, leaves and mud.

• Loading and removing: with the STOLL pelican bucket on the front loader you move loose snow, soil or manure to a fixed spot.

• Working in front of the tractor: with the Zuidberg front linkage you hitch an implement in front of the tractor, handy for sweeping and clearing snow while driving forward with a clear view.

• Gritting: ask your dealer which spreader suits your paths and grounds.

Four-wheel drive and power steering help on slippery and snowy surfaces. Because the electric Knegt tractors are CE-approved and road-legal in Europe, you can also keep access roads and paths along public roads clear.

One advantage of electric in winter: there is no combustion engine that needs to warm up and no exhaust fumes. So you can drive straight into the barn, shed or warehouse, and work early in the morning without engine noise disturbing animals or neighbours.

Getting your electric tractor ready for winter in 5 steps

A few fixed habits help you get the most out of your battery and tractor in winter:

• Step 1, store and charge indoors: keep the tractor in a sheltered, preferably frost-free space. A warm battery delivers more and charges faster.

• Step 2, charge right after use: plug the tractor in straight after work, while the battery is still warm. On 230V a full charge takes 8 to 10 hours; with a fast charger the battery goes from 30 to 80 percent in about 2.5 hours.

• Step 3, plan short blocks: spread winter work over short sessions and top up in between. If you work long winter days, consider the larger battery or an extra battery pack.

• Step 4, use a trickle charger when idle: if the tractor stands still for a long time, keep the battery topped up, as Knegt recommends in its maintenance tips.

• Step 5, have servicing done on time: Knegt recommends a service every 350 hours or once a year. Autumn is a logical moment to have tyres, lights, hydraulics and implements checked.

Frequently asked questions

Can an electric tractor handle frost?

Yes. Electric tractors can be used in most weather conditions, including the cold. In frost the battery temporarily delivers less capacity and charges more slowly, which is why it is best to store and charge it indoors.

How much shorter is the working time in winter?

That depends on the temperature, the intensity of the work and the battery you choose. There is no fixed figure. Opportunity charging, the larger battery or an extra battery pack make up the difference.

Do I need a cab for winter work?

Not necessarily. For short jobs an open tractor or a half cab is enough. If you spend long hours on the tractor every day in winter, a luxury cab offers the most comfort.

Can I clear snow on public roads with a Knegt tractor?

The electric Knegt tractors are CE-approved and road-legal in Europe. Clearing public roads is often subject to arrangements with the road authority, so check this in advance.

Get your tractor winter-ready with expert advice

Would you like to know which model, battery and cab suit your winter work? Request a free demo and see the tractor at work on your own site, or book an advice session. You can also request a quote or find a Knegt dealer near you.